City Of Richland Facilities Closed In Observance Of Presidents’ Day - 02/10/26

In observance of Presidents’ Day, City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The closure includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, and the Horn Rapids Landfill. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17.

Garbage collection will continue per the normal schedule.

Essential public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency response, will continue to operate without interruption.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and use online services available through the City’s website during the holiday closure. Information on City services, bill payments, and other resources can be found at richlandwa.gov.

Richland Fire & Emergency Services Launches “Blood On Board”, A Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Program And Hosts Regional Blood Drive To Support Life-Saving Effort (Photo) - 02/05/26

The City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services is taking a major step forward in emergency medical care by launching a pre-hospital blood transfusion program, an advanced life-saving capability designed to deliver blood products to critically ill patients before they arrive at the hospital.

Medical evidence is clear: the faster a patient receives blood following critical illness or traumatic injury, the greater their chance of survival. Studies show that each minute of delay in access to blood can increase the odds of mortality by as much as five percent. Pre-hospital blood transfusion programs have been endorsed by leading national organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, American College of Emergency Physicians, International Association of EMS Chiefs, and the National Association of EMS Physicians.

With this initiative, the City of Richland aims to become the first fire and EMS agency in Eastern Washington to carry blood onboard emergency response units, placing life-saving care closer to patients when every second matters.

“This program represents a significant advancement in trauma care for our community and region,” said Richland Fire & Emergency Services Chief Randy Aust. “By bringing blood directly to patients in the field, we can stabilize critical injuries sooner and improve outcomes during the most crucial moments of care.”

To support the launch of the program and build regional awareness around the importance of blood donation, the City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a large regional blood drive.

Regional Blood Drive Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Fire Station 74, 2710 Duportail St., Richland
• Goal: 150 blood donations, with hopes of the largest single-day blood drive turnout in Washington State

Community members who register and donate will receive:

• A $15 Amazon gift card
• A free commemorative t-shirt
• A complimentary A1C test, which can help screen for diabetes

Blood collected through this effort will help strengthen regional blood supplies while supporting the long-term sustainability of pre-hospital blood programs in Washington State.

Pre-hospital blood transfusion programs are expanding statewide, with early adoption by agencies in Western Washington. However, fewer than one percent of EMS agencies nationwide currently carry blood despite its proven ability to prevent deaths from traumatic blood loss. The City of Richland’s initiative reflects a growing commitment to innovation, preparedness, and regional leadership in emergency medical services.

Community members are encouraged to register in advance to secure an appointment.

Register today to donate and help save lives. Visit Richlandwa.gov/BloodOnBoard or call 1-800-733-2767.

Washington State Public Works Board Awards $500,000 For Essential Wastewater System Upgrades In Richland - 02/05/26

The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) has awarded the City of Richland $500,000 to support essential upgrades at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The funding was approved on January 9, 2026.

The funding will be used to improve key systems that help safely treat wastewater before it is returned to the environment. Specifically, the project will update two major treatment tanks that play a critical role in managing waste solids. These upgrades will replace aging equipment and introduce modern, more efficient technology to improve performance and reduce energy use. These improvements are about protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring reliable service for our community now and into the future.

When finished, the project will extend the life of a vital part of the wastewater treatment facility, helping avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs. The upgrades are also expected to lower energy use, saving money over time and reduce the City’s environmental footprint.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $11 million, with the $500,000 Public Works Board award supporting the design of this project.

The Washington State Legislature created the Public Works Board in 1985 to help local governments maintain and improve critical infrastructure. Over the past four decades, the board has provided more than $3.6 billion to support over 2,200 public works projects statewide through loans, grants, financing guarantees, and technical assistance.

Additional information regarding this project can be found by visiting the project website.

For more information about the PWB, visit the board’s website.

Richland Arts Commission Accepting Nominations For 2025 STAR Awards - 02/03/26

The Richland Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2025 STAR Awards (Supporting the Arts in Richland), recognizing outstanding local contributions that support and advance the arts in Richland.

Each year, the STAR Awards honor two recipients for their exceptional commitment to the arts:

• One individual, and
• One organization (for-profit or not-for-profit).

Nominees are not required to be Richland residents; however, their work must have made a meaningful and positive impact on

supporting the arts in Richland.

Nominations are due by Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 p.m.

The Richland Arts Commission will review submitted nominations during a February or March 2026 workshop. Selected recipients will be formally recognized with an award presentation at a Richland City Council meeting in April 2026, as schedules allow.

Please note:

• Recipients may not receive a STAR Award more than once within a five-year period.
• Awards may not be presented if suitable nominations are not received.

A list of past STAR Award recipients and additional information about the nomination process is available on the City’s website at: richlandwa.gov/staraward

For questions or assistance, please contact Recreation Manager, Julie Piper, jpiper@richlandwa.gov, or 509-942-7501.

Columbia Point Marina Park Boat Launch & Parking Lot Closure For Special Olympics Polar Plunge - 01/30/26

Special Olympics Washington will host its annual Polar Plunge at Columbia Point Marina Park next Saturday, February 7, 2026. To safely accommodate the event, the boat launch, dock, and a portion of the parking lot will be closed to the public during the event.

Closure Details:

Columbia Point Marina Park Boat Launch & Parking Lot

Saturday, February 7, 2026

6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Polar Plunge is a popular annual fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Washington athletes and programs statewide. Event setup, participant safety, and emergency access require temporary closure of the dock and designated parking areas.

Closure notices have been posted on-site at Columbia Point Marina Park. Members of the public are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate launch sites or parking locations during the closure period.

Normal access to the boat launch and parking areas will resume following the conclusion of the event.

Richland City Council Selects Candidate To Fill Vacant City Council Position No. 4 - 01/27/26

The Richland City Council has selected a candidate to fill the vacant City Council Position No. 4 following a competitive application and interview process.

After reviewing applications and conducting interviews during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the City Council reached consensus and appointed Todd Samuel to the position in accordance with the Richland City Charter. The appointment was made following deliberations held in executive session as authorized under RCW 42.30.110.

Todd Samuel will be sworn in at the regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2026, and will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

The vacancy occurred after late Council candidate Donald Landsman was elected in the November 2025 General Election. In accordance with the City Charter, the City Council opened an application process to fill the resulting vacancy. The City received applications from multiple qualified community members and appreciates the time and interest shown by all applicants. City Council interviews were open to the public and held prior to the regularly scheduled City Council workshop.

Additional information about City Council meetings and agendas is available at richlandwa.gov/agendas.

Steptoe–Tapteal Intersection Reconstruction Project To Begin (Photo) - 01/27/26

Preliminary work on the Steptoe–Tapteal intersection reconstruction project is expected to begin the week of February 2, 2026, starting with short-term lane closures during daylight hours to allow crews to extend utilities outside of the roadway.

A major reconstruction of the Steptoe–Tapteal intersection will follow this spring and continue through the summer, bringing long-term transportation and infrastructure improvements to the area.

The project includes realignment of Tapteal Drive so that it intersects Steptoe Street further south, construction of a new intersection leg to the west to provide access to adjacent commercial property, installation of a new traffic signal, and enhanced pedestrian facilities.

In addition to roadway improvements, the project includes installation of a new water main that will provide redundancy and increased fire flow capacity to the City’s water system, improving reliability and public safety.

This is a developer-funded project, permitted by the City of Richland, and constructed by the developer’s contractor.

More significant traffic impacts are anticipated later in the spring and early summer as reconstruction of Tapteal Drive progresses. These impacts will include additional lane closures and a detour while portions of Tapteal are rebuilt.

Motorists traveling through the area should anticipate delays for the duration of the project and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage and traffic control measures.

Additional information, including detour routes and construction phasing, will be shared as the project advances. More details can be found on the project website at richlandwa.gov/SteptoeTapteal.

Traffic Impacts This Week For South GWay Improvements Project - 01/26/26

Motorists traveling through the South George Washington Way (GWW) corridor should plan for minor, short-term traffic impacts during the week of January 26, 2026, as work continues on the South George Washington Way Intersection Project.

The following lane closures and traffic impacts are anticipated:

Wednesday Night, January 28 through Early Thursday Morning, January 29

• Beginning at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, crews will install additional signage on the cantilever sign arm along southbound George Washington Way between Comstock Street and Benham Street.
• Additional sign work will also occur on the sign bridge south of the George Washington Way and Aaron Drive intersection, requiring intermittent lane closures in both northbound and southbound directions.
• All overnight sign installation work is expected to be completed by 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

In addition to the above traffic impacts, landscaping work continues south of the intersection as part of the overall project scope.

The City of Richland appreciates the public’s patience as crews complete these final improvements. Motorists are encouraged to use caution, obey posted signage, and allow extra travel time when moving through the area.

For project updates and additional information, visit richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

City Of Richland Opens 2026 Park Partnership Grant Program Applications - 01/22/26

The City of Richland Parks and Public Facilities Department is now accepting applications for its 2026 Park Partnership Program, offering up to $40,000 in matching grant funds from the Park Reserve Fund to support community-driven improvements to City parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities.

The Park Partnership Program is designed to support projects that:

• Improve or expand park and recreational opportunities for the general public
• Encourage private investment and community participation in developing park amenities
• Enhance quality of life for Richland residents

Eligible applicants may include community groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners interested in working collaboratively with the City to enhance public recreational spaces.

Important 2026 Application Dates

• Application Window: January 21 – March 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
  (Deadline includes completion of the application interview with Parks & Public Facilities staff.)
• Mandatory Oral Presentation to the Parks & Recreation Commission:  April 9, 2026

More information regarding the program, including a link to the application can be found at www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkPartnership.

Important Program Notice

Beginning in 2027, the Park Partnership Program will transition to one annual application cycle, held in the fall, with grants awarded the following spring.

2026 will be the only year with two separate application periods. A second application window will open in fall 2026 as part of this transition.

Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly and take advantage of this year’s unique opportunity to apply during either cycle.

Additional details, including eligibility requirements, application materials, and submission instructions, are available on www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkPartnership.

City Of Richland City Council Advances Candidates For Position No. 4 Interviews - 01/21/26

The Richland City Council has completed its review of applications submitted to fill the vacant City Council Position No. 4 and has selected five candidates to advance to the interview stage of the appointment process.

The following candidates were selected for interviews:

• Britt Creer
• Samantha Mason
• Kyle Palmer
• Andrew Rice
• Todd Samuel

Interviews will be conducted during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, prior to the regularly scheduled City Council workshop. The interviews will be open to the public but will not be broadcast. Two candidates will participate remotely due to being out of state.

Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate in a closed executive session as allowed by RCW 42.30.110(h) and make a selection in accordance with the Richland City Charter. Should the Council desire to take final action to appoint a candidate as authorized by the City Charter, that action will occur immediately following the executive session. The regular City Council workshop will follow and will be broadcast as normal.

The newly appointed councilmember will be sworn in at the regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2026.

The individual appointed to City Council Position No. 4 will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

Additional details, including the meeting agenda and interview schedule, will be posted on the City of Richland website at richlandwa.gov/agendas.

City Of Richland Announces Applicants For Vacant City Council Position - 01/16/26

The City of Richland has received 24 applications from the following individuals seeking appointment to fill the vacant City Council Position No. 4:

Chrystyanna VanDyke

Leisa Moore

Andrew Rice

Todd Samuel

Anna Tadlock

Kyle Palmer

Britton Creer

Colleen Lane

Michael Shane Thorson

Anthony Sharpe

Heidi Mortensen

Kyle Saltz

Ragan Faylor

Pete Rogalsky

Nathaniel C. Davis

Devin Sutherland

Nathan Miller

Roy Keck

Samantha Mason

Kurt Schweiger

Mary Lipton

Eileen Harbertson

Edward Munoz

Colin Michael

More information on each applicant can be found at richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies.

The application period closed on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The Richland City Council will review all applications during an executive session following the City Council meeting on January 20, 2026, at which time they will determine which candidates will advance to the interview portion of the process.

In-person interviews will be conducted during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, held prior to the regularly scheduled City Council workshop. The interviews will be open to the public but will not be broadcast. Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate in a closed executive session as allowed by RCW 42.30.110(h). Should Council desire to take final action to appoint a candidate as authorized by the Richland City Charter, that action will occur immediately following the executive session. The regular City Council workshop will follow and will be broadcast as normal.

The candidate appointed to City Council Position No. 4 will be sworn in at the regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2026.

Per the Richland City Charter, the individual appointed will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

Additional details, including meeting agendas and times, will be posted on the City’s website at www.richlandwa.gov/agendas.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7389.